Ridable Rack

This will be the last rack posting for a little while, until it is actually complete.

(click for more photos)

I installed the other stay and a backstop last night, cleaned up the flux, and mounted the rack on my bike.  I only used it for a short ride this morning but it seems to work very well.  I was worried that my stays were too far forward and would cause problems with the front wheel hook on the bus rack, but it wasn't an issue.

Remaining work:

  • Install a light mount.  I think I'm going to get a Lumotec Oval and mount it between the stay and the wheel.  It looks like there is enough space.
  • Wire routing for the light.
  • Fender eyelets (so the fender mounts to the rack)

The bike handles nicely with the front bag.  This isn't a surprise since it is a lower trail bike (45mm trail).  There is a small amount of shimmy when riding no hands, but this will probably go away if I drop the tire pressure a little.  I normally ride these tires (28mm Avocet Duros) at 75psi but they are at 90psi right now.

Published 30 March 2007 03:49 PM by admin
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Comments

# Larry Leveen said on 31 March, 2007 02:52 AM

Congrats on the homegrown rack. It's purty! I like how purpose-built it is -- compatibility with bus racks, the upgrades/changes you plan to add to it. It really brings home the constructeur ethic, to the extent I understand it. I part ways with that school at integrating racks in most situations (I like that yours can be moved from bike to bike). Maybe it's just what I am used to, and maybe it's the retailer in me. Anyway, cool deal, Alex!